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Starting university can be one of the most exciting feelings for a fresher. There's a whole different world out there waiting to be experienced and explored.
Take it from someone who's been through it before, it definitely isn't all sunshine and roses and a lot of expectations you have for university life may not necessarily meet the reality.
I'm not saying that all students are the same or experience a lot of similar things, but many of them do, and that's okay. At the end of the day, it really is what you make of it.
What's something you learnt about university that challenged your expectations of it? Send us your comments and we could publish them. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
University expectations vs. reality:
Waking up for class
Expectation:
Waking up bright and early for class, feeling eager and refreshed. Today you'll be on time for your 8am!
Studying
Expectation:
You're going to work hard and be productive this year – you promise!
You're going to continuously keep up with all the work you have to do.
Reality:
So you left some things for the last minute and now you're feeling overwhelmed and more than slightly exhausted. We've all been there, despising our past selves for not starting our work sooner.
Workload
Expectation:
First term is going well so all terms will go well, your head will be above the water. You might even keep this energy for the rest of the year.
Reality:
... and then second term and mid-year exams hit.
People at campus
Expectation:
People at campus are going to maintain the high school mentality and be involved in your business. There's going to be some sort of social hierarchy.
Reality:
Nobody cares, and it's the best thing! Do your thing. Most people have their head glued to their phones or are too busy focusing on themselves to care about your life. There may be some sort of social hierarchy at certain universities, but pay no mind to it, some people clearly have a little growing up to do.
My advice: Don't be afraid to make friends but leave the cliquey high school mentality behind. University is the time to meet new and different kinds of people so don't be afraid to do exactly that.
The night before an exam
Expectation:
You're in bed nice and early, ready to be well-rested and tackle that exam.
Reality:
It's 1:42am and you're doing the best you can, really wondering why you can't sleep with your book under your pillow and have the information seep into your brain via osmosis or something.
My advice: I mean, you decide which situation sounds better here (hint: it's not cramming). Time management, people!
Talking to your classmates after a test
Expectation:
Everyone wrote a great paper and you'll move on from the test and have a good day.
Reality:
"Was your answer also '57' for that question?"
You, who got "Ostrich":
My advice: When you're done with your exam, don't talk about it and walk away from people do. What's done is done and you don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Also see: Tips for surviving on a student budget
Campus outfits
Expectation:
Every day is your time to shine and you're going to pull up to campus with the most fire 'fits.
Reality:
Soon enough you won't care about what you wear, as long as you're clothed.
My advice: Some universities are generally more stylish than others, but wear whatever makes you comfortable. University is the time of self-expression after all. My only piece of advice is to wear comfortable shoes because you'll most likely end up doing a lot of walking.
Homework and assignments
Expectations:
All your tutorial homework is prepared and you're ready to share all answers in class and join the open discussions.
Reality:
You may need to borrow someone's tut homework from another class every now and then or sit quietly in tuts and avoid eye contact with your tutor.
My advice: You can't sponge off others forever, also, tuts are there to help you learn. Start making the effort.
Chat back
What's something you learnt about university that challenged your expectations of it? Send us your comments and we could publish them. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
Read more:
Preparing your assignments? University referencing guide for beginners
Bursaries, scholarships & loans: Here's how to fund your studies
Advice for university students, from interns
